Faithful Like A Soldier As we remember the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for ours and the freedoms we enjoy, there is recognition of their faithfulness to the call they selflessly answered. When faced with life-threatening adversity, they did not divert from fulfilling their directives. Due to their unwavering commitment to authority and the greater mission, we are blessed with rights and opportunities that are only possible through their sacrifice. Because they willingly resolved to be faithful, we can commit our own lives to a cause without compulsion. Today, we are also celebrating the faithfulness of the many precious lives who have responded to the call to join with New Life Church and our mission together as a body. Countless hours of service and faithful generosity have enabled the growth and development of many lives with a kingdom purpose. Selfless devotion to the direction given through those in authority has reflected the heart of God and enabled demonstrations of His goodness in healing and provision in hearts and lives. As He has shown Himself faithful in response to this faithfulness, there is assurance of a blessed continuation as His plan and purpose are completed through us for His glory. Notes Soldier’s faithfulness: To answer the call to defend the homeland To serve with selfless devotion To respond with honor to direction from authorities To stand unwavering through threatening challenges To consider the prize as greater than the sacrifice Focusing on the mission enables endurance through distractions. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NLT) 3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. Celebrating the Anniversary of Faithfulness to the Call at NLC Love’s greatest demonstration is responding to the call for ultimate service. John 15:13-14 (NLT) 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. Through faithful endurance, with eyes focused on Jesus, we’ve known victory. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Through faithfulness, God Has shown us His faithfulness Psalms 18:25 (NLT) 25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. Each received gift is a stewardship opportunity. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. Celebrated Answered Call to Faithfulness at NLC Serving the Lord faithfully: In prayer In giving Maintenance Outreach Hospitality Childcare Teaching Administration Worship Production There is yet a race for the faithful with a worthy prize that is our calling. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. In faithfulness beyond distractions is reception of the promise. Hebrews 10:23, 35–36 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful… So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. The reward of the faithful is more opportunities for faithfulness. Matthew 25:21 (TLB) 21 “His master praised him for good work. ‘You have been faithful in handling this small amount,’ he told him, ‘so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned to you.’